Ears

Allergy

Head & Kneck

Snoring

Snoring is a widespread problem many couples must deal with in order to get a good night’s rest. Most cases are mild and only occur occasionally but some cases are severe and can cause serious health risks. It’s best to consult your doctor if your symptoms are worsening or throwing off your day-to-day routines.

Symptoms & Causes

The reason why certain people snore can relate to the anatomy of the mouth and throat. When the airway passages are narrow the vibration can create the sounds associated with snoring. Other causes can include being overweight, consuming alcohol, problems with the nasal cavity or sleep apnea. Other symptoms arising from a night of heavy snoring can include sore throat, high blood pressure, poor concentration and drowsiness. Only your doctor and specialist will be able to trace your symptoms to diagnose the cause and offer the right medical solution.

Diagnosis & Treatment

Your doctor will first likely ask you and your partner some questions about the degree and frequency of snoring episodes. He or she may perform a physical evaluation and could order a CT scan to look for obstructions of your airway. Some doctors may recommend a sleep study in which trained professionals will evaluate your sleep patterns in a controlled environment. Depending upon the results from the evaluations various treatment options are available. Home remedies include sleeping on your side, avoiding meals, snacks or alcohol a few hours before bed and losing weight to open up airway restriction. If these solutions are not working your doctor might suggest looking at surgical options. Dental mouthpieces, pressurized masks and traditional surgeries like tonsillectomy or somnoplasty might be solutions. Consult your doctor, specialist and surgeon before making any decision on your own.

Prevention

Stopping snoring before it becomes a bigger problem is important to anyone who wants a good night’s rest for themselves and those sleeping next to them. Combating the risk factors is a good way to be proactive: drinking alcohol, smoking and carrying extra weight are all big factors in people who develop snoring problems. Avoiding caffeine and developing regular sleep cycles are also good ideas to prevent snoring in your life.